Maeverlyn Pitanoe at the Convention's Fifth Review Conference (MBT 5RC) of the landmine treaty in Siem Reap, Cambodia held from 25 to 29 November 2024. Photo supplied
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BY JOY OFASIA

MAEVERLYN Kabolo Pitanoe, a 52-year-old mother of two from Lau Lagoon in Malaita Province, Solomon Islands, has faced unimaginable hardship, but her journey from tragedy to activism has transformed her into a powerful voice for unexploded ordnance survivors around the world.

In 2021, Maeverlyn’s life was forever changed when an unexploded World War II bomb detonated at a Mother’s Day fundraiser barbecue in Honiara. Standing close to the bomb, Maeverlyn was critically injured, with severe injuries to her arms, legs, and torso, though her face miraculously remained untouched. After 53 days in the hospital, she began a long journey of recovery, both physically and emotionally.

Maeverlyn Pitanoe survived when a World War Two shell exploded beneath her feet at a BBQ in Honiara on Mother’s Day 2021. (SBS News Stefan Armbruster)

Maeverlyn recently attended the Convention’s Fifth Review Conference (MBT 5RC) of the landmine treaty in Siem Reap, Cambodia held from 25 to 29 November 2024.

This global event gathered governments, international organizations, and survivors to discuss efforts to eliminate landmines and unexploded ordnances (UXOs), which continue to pose a significant threat in post-conflict regions.

For Maeverlyn, the conference was more than just a platform to share her story—it was an opportunity to learn from others, raise her voice for change, and become part of a worldwide movement focused on victim assistance and ordnance clearance.

Maeverlyn Pitanoe listening and learning from a survivor attending the Convention’s Fifth Review Conference (MBT 5RC) of the landmine treaty in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo supplied

Reflecting on her experience, she shared:

“In 2021, while cooking, I survived a World War II bomb explosion. That day changed my life, as I faced physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

“I attended this conference as a survivor to share my experience, learn from others, and advocate for stronger actions to protect communities and assist victims affected by UXOs,” she told SOLOMON WOMEN.

At the conference, Maeverlyn was deeply moved by hearing the personal stories of other survivors from across the globe.

“Hearing survivors’ stories was emotional and inspiring.

“It reminded me of how much work still needs to be done to ensure that future generations are not affected by these dangerous remnants of war,” she said.

L to R: Maeverlyn Kabolo Pitanoe, Mette Eliseussen, and David Riordan attending the 5RC fifth review conference of the landmine treaty. Photo supplied

She stressed the importance of victim assistance, risk education, and the vital role governments play in clearing contaminated areas. A key takeaway for Maeverlyn was the conference’s focus on providing medical care, mental health support, and economic opportunities for victims.

“It gave me hope, to see the efforts being made to help survivors rebuild their lives after the devastation caused by landmines and UXOs,” she explained,  

She also found inspiration in the innovative risk education programs and the commitments made by countries to clear affected areas of hazardous ordnance.

Maeverlyn’s commitment to the cause extends far beyond the conference. She works part-time with SafeGround, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on minimizing the impacts of explosive remnants of war (ERW), landmines, and cluster munitions.

Maeverlyn Pitanoe shares her powerful story with international media at the Convention’s Fifth Review Conference (MBT 5RC) in Siem Reap, Cambodia, advocating for stronger action on landmine and UXO clearance. Photo supplied

SafeGround plays a crucial role in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for safer communities worldwide. Maeverlyn is proud to contribute to these efforts, which align with her personal journey as a survivor.

Today, Maeverlyn lives in Honiara, continuing to overcome the scars—both physical and emotional—that her traumatic experience left behind. Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful.

In 2021, Maeverlyn’s life was forever altered when an unexploded World War II bomb detonated at a Mother’s Day fundraiser in Honiara, leaving her critically injured but miraculously sparing her face. Photo credit @ SBS News Stefan Armbruster

“I’m blessed to be here today, despite everything that happened.

“It’s not easy, but my voice as a survivor is important, and I want to help others who are going through similar struggles,” she said.

She also encourages other survivors to reach out:

“If there are other survivors out there, I encourage them to reach out. Together, we can make a difference.”


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